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Sustainable Transport Dialogue

Dods Sustainable Transport Dialogue: Driving a greener, smarter UK transport system

Carbon emissions from transport accounted for 24% of all UK carbon emissions in 2010. In order to achieve the 80% cut in carbon emissions by 2050 legally mandated by the Climate Change Act 2008, the transition to a low carbon economy must happen rapidly and efficiently. The role which minimizing carbon emissions from transport plays in this process is clear, the industry recognises it and is working hard to achieve this aim.

The Coalition Government has shown signs that it is committed to the decarbonisation of transport. The Local Transport White Paper proposes changes which should help to reduce local transport carbon emmisions. A commitment to mandate a national recharging network for electric and plug-in hybrid cars was made in the coalition agreement, and over 500 hybrid and electric buses have been purchased by local authorities thanks to the DfT's Green Bus Fund. However, in order to achieve the ambitious target of an 80% reduction in transport carbon emissions by 2030, a strategic approach encompassing all forms of transport from road and rail to aviation and shipping needs to be taken.

This dialogue will examine the steps being taken by the industry to innovate and create new approaches to low carbon transport to the benefit of the low carbon economy. It will look at how government can help to encourage the development of effective and sustainable alternative fuels, foster greater consumer take-up of new technologies, including ultra low carbon vehicles, and encourage a smarter approach by the public to transport choices.

The dialogue's sponsors and steering group members are as follows:

Thales GM
Centro
Boeing UK

Sustainable Transport Dialogue

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